We had more than 40 entries in the OTE Awards this year. A few of the categories had clear, overwhelming winners. Some resulted in a tie (or, in one case, a five-way tie). In those instances, I was the deciding factor (and usually based the winner on how many votes the nominees had overall/in other […]
[Read More]

Over the course of the last two weeks I ate more than I should in two months, vacuumed up at least 1,456 pine needles, bounced down the deck stairs and sprouted a sweet potato-sized hematoma out of my lower back, was hit in the head with the car door and traveled the entire Thruway less […]
[Read More]

It’s time to vote in the annual OTE Awards. And, remember, even if you don’t think you fit one of these categories, everyone is eligible to win something. Once again, I will be drawing random winners from the list of everyone who votes. So, as long as you send in a voting “form,” you will […]
[Read More]

After a week(ish) of eating goat and kidney, climbing a (seriously steep and exceptionally slippery) 400 foot-high waterfall with no helmet or safety and almost (accidentally) buying an (empty) marijuana box (I thought that was a pretty leaf from a tree carved on the front) I’m back to blogging, Facebooking, Tweeting and writing for the […]
[Read More]

Dear WordPress, Before you ask why I’m not saying much after today, let me fill you in. You and me, we’re on a break. We’re not signing papers or going to go through some messy custody battle, just taking a breather. A trial separation, if you will. You will get a little love, but it […]
[Read More]

Apologies on the lack of posts yesterday. I meant to give you a reminder in the morning, but forgot in the excitement that was my first day of jury duty. That’s right, I’m at it again — and this time for a year. And, as I had mentioned previously, I can’t have my phone in […]
[Read More]

Just a few housekeeping items to kick off this Friday: Do not enter a ticket giveaway if you are not going to be able to attend. I post these contests close enough to the event that people should know their schedule. Sure, every now and then a conflict will arrive. But, lately, it is happening […]
[Read More]

I’ve said this before, but I love a good OTE meetup. The conversation is natural and fun and, sometimes, friendships are formed — one of my favorite things about this blog and the community. I can’t attend all meetups, of course, but I have been to a handful and my absolute favorite was at Sake […]
[Read More]

Today marks my 13th year at the Times Union. That’s right. Thirteen years and three different positions at the paper. You probably know by now I like to do a little look back (this one was especially popular), or offer a thank you on my “anniversary,” and today is no different. A couple weeks ago […]
[Read More]

The latest email exchange related to the bullying column (background — I have responded to each and every person who has written about this column, and the numbers are up in the hundreds now that the story has run in other papers around the country: Her (trying to write to me anonymously): Bullying makes you […]
[Read More]